Zoe Mazi: Romans 1

Overview:

I think a great lens to view the entire bible is quite simple. God offers us access to a life in Him that is very Good. But we have a choice will we follow what God has for us or go our own way.

Romans: can be viewed through this lens as well. The author presents all of humanity with these two choices. In this section the author highlights the idea of exchanging of Glories and the Consequences of that.

Walking Through the Text

26-27: There is complexity in approaching these verses. What I want to share is how affirming and non-affirming people would read this passage and How this lens of exchanging Glories offers pushback to both groups of interpretations.

Affirming: Would read this passage within the context of “hooking up” or having one night stands, that the writer would not be reffering to same sex couples who have made a covenant with each other.

How this lens pushes back: a pushback might be that affirming individuals have put too much “weight” on this area of their identity and have elevated sexuality above Redeemed Children of God.

Non-Affirming: Point to this verse as a “proof text” stating that the exchanging of what they consider “natural” sexuality with “unatural” sexuality.

How this lens pushes back: The traditionalist or Non-affirming interpreters have placed to much weight in the area of sexual sin as “the big one” and we should not miss the list of sins before and after this. Furthermore, “right theology” can become an idol that we can exchange God’s love and grace for.

Alternative Reading: if we read this in context of Idolatry and Worship practices. This text is not explicity referring to our concept of sexuality, but is referring to sexual relations in a worship setting. We can read it this way by recognizing the context of Rome. There were plenty of Roman Temples where sexual activity was regularly included in worship.

How this lens helps: It removes the presence of “identity or right theology” but asks the reader How we have turned “Hot Topics” into idols that take away Glory from God.

Transition: If we feel we need time to unpack this, we can spend a few minutes in discussion. However, because this is a mixed group of backgrounds and experiences, I would say we should limit to conversation rather than debate.

After: I want us to transition and look at the further consequences that the author talks about in the rest of the chapter. Notice how exchanging God’s Glory for the Glory of other things ultimately leads to death for anyone regardless of the “sin” listened. I want to spend some time in small group discussion with some questions about some of the topics we addressed together.